Jeju Air Tragedy Sparks Major Safety Reforms in South Korea
The South Korean government is taking urgent steps to improve airport safety after the tragic Jeju Air crash that claimed 179 lives. The investigation into the accident has raised concerns about hazardous structures near runways, prompting officials to review safety measures at multiple airports. One of the key changes includes removing the concrete embankment at Muan International Airport, where the crash occurred.
Addressing Emergency Landing Risks
Following the Jeju Air crash, South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has identified seven airports with potentially dangerous structures near the runway. These structures, including those housing Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), will either be relocated underground or replaced with safer materials.
Experts believe that the concrete embankment at Muan International Airport may have worsened the impact of the crash, making it more fatal. In response, the ministry has announced that:
“Muan International Airport plans to completely remove the existing concrete and reinstall the localizer in a fragile structure.”
The government aims to implement these safety improvements quickly by simplifying regulations. The goal is to complete the adjustments by mid-2025, with a final deadline set for the end of the year.
Extending Runway Safety Areas
Another key safety measure is extending runway safety areas (RSAs) at several airports. RSAs help prevent severe accidents when an aircraft overruns the runway. The ministry found that seven airports in South Korea have RSAs shorter than the recommended 240 meters (787 feet).
At Muan International Airport, the RSA is only 200 meters long, falling short of international safety standards. The airport’s operating manual, published in May 2024 by Korea Airports Corporation (KAC), had already highlighted this issue.
If there is not enough space to extend these safety areas, the government is also considering installing Engineered Material Arresting Systems (EMAS). These systems use crushable materials to slow down aircraft safely in case of a runway overrun.
In addition to these facility upgrades, the government will review and update airport safety standards by the end of the year. The removal of hazardous concrete mounds at Muan International Airport is also expected to be completed soon.
Jeju Air Crash Investigation
The Jeju Air crash occurred on December 29, 2024, when a Boeing 737-800 operating Flight 2216 from Bangkok crashed at Muan International Airport. The tragedy claimed the lives of all 175 passengers and four of the six crew members.
The aircraft overran Runway 01, collided with a ground structure, and burst into flames. Initial reports indicate multiple contributing factors, including:
- Bird strike: Investigators found bird feathers and blood in both engines, suggesting a double-engine bird strike.
- Landing gear failure: The crew had previously reported landing gear malfunctions.
- Black box failure: Both the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) stopped recording four minutes before impact, complicating the investigation.
A former investigator suggested that power to the black boxes may have been cut, which is a rare occurrence. The official investigation is expected to take more than a year before final conclusions are made.
Other Ongoing Air Crash Investigations
While South Korean authorities continue to investigate the Jeju Air crash, another major aviation disaster is under review in Central Asia.
Four days before the Jeju Air accident, an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) aircraft crashed, reportedly struck by a Russian missile near Grozny, Chechnya. Russian President Vladimir Putin later issued an apology, but Russia has not taken responsibility for the incident.
The Jeju Air crash has exposed critical safety risks at South Korean airports, prompting urgent reforms. The government is working to eliminate hazardous structures, extend runway safety areas, and improve emergency landing procedures. Investigators are still piecing together the causes of the accident, with evidence pointing to a bird strike and technical failures. As South Korea strengthens its aviation safety measures, authorities worldwide are also closely monitoring other ongoing air crash investigations. These changes aim to prevent future tragedies and ensure safer air travel for all.
